Medical Groups: Don't Use Tobacco Money On Schools

AROUND CENTRAL FLORIDA

October 9, 1997

TALLAHASSEE — Forty Florida medical groups are urging lawmakers not to spend any of the state's $11.3 billion tobacco settlement on school construction, but instead use it all for health care programs.

Dr. Cecil Wilson, a Winter Park internist and president of the Florida Medical Association, made the plea in announcing formation of an alliance dubbed the Breath of Fresh Air Coalition.

State lawmakers are scheduled to convene a special session Nov. 3 to discuss Florida's school construction needs, estimated to be as much as $3.5 billion over the next five years.

Several legislators and Gov. Lawton Chiles have suggested that a portion of the money from cigarette makers go for school construction.

But the coalition wants the money earmarked for children's medical coverage, anti-smoking efforts and other health-related services.